February 16, 2013

Multimedia Review: December 2012

redstar Multimedia Review: December 2012 The Day Carl Sandburg Died. DVD. 84 min. Prod. by Bonesteel Films. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2012. ISBN 978-1-60883-701-4. $24.99.
Gr 8 Up–Carl Sandburg, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century, lived an incredibly colorful life which was reflected in his work. Born into an indigent family of Swedish immigrants in western Illinois, Sandberg initially held a series of manual labor jobs. Later he became a union activist, a social orator, and even a self-proclaimed anarchist. His sensitivity to the struggles of ordinary individuals was reflected in his prose and poetry, with many of them set in the Midwest and, particularly, in Chicago. His diverse writing talents were honed as a newspaper journalist and earned him two Pulitzer prizes—one for poetry and one for his autobiography of Abraham Lincoln. Sandburg’s saga is portrayed in this absorbing production utilizing a variety of formats: dramatic recreations, kinescopes of television interviews with the author, reminiscences by members of his family, vintage film clips and stills, commentary by academics, and readings of his work by Sandburg and others. Viewers will gain an understanding of Sandburg’s intense sensory perceptions and his remarkable abilities to put those onto paper. The nicely paced presentation includes a chapter selection option as well as English language subtitles. This well-crafted production will be a popular resource in classrooms as well as a research resource in media centers.–Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

redstar Multimedia Review: December 2012 Force of Nature: The David Suzuki Movie. DVD. 93 min. Prod. by Entertainment One and National Film Board of Canada. Dist. by Bullfrog Films. 2012. ISBN 1-93777-234-9. $295.
Gr 10 Up–Scientist and TV personality David Suzuki is well known in Canada where he is revered as the host of the long running science program, Nature of Things, and as an environmental activist. This film honors his career by weaving together the story of his life with his last lecture outlining the concerns which have become his lifework. He makes a convincing case that the Earth cannot long support the environmental attacks being inflicted upon it by pollution of the air, seas and soil. Combining archival footage of his life as a scientist, activist, and civil rights advocate with contemporary illustrations of the havoc being sown upon the Earth by humans, he presents his thesis that mankind is the environment. He warns that the continuing unabated plundering of our natural resources, along with the strains of overpopulation and overuse, will result in calamitous consequences of overfishngm, over harvesting of timber, and the ever growing population. Suzuki offers no recommendations for immediate solutions, but does suggest that without international cooperation to hold back rampant growth and the degradation of natural resources, the Earth we leave to our grandchildren will be a far different place from what it is today. Although the message is dire, the presentation is not overwrought. The combination of personal narrative with a global perspective makes this very valuable for both lessons in environment and 20th-century history.–Eva VonAncken, formerly Trinity-Pawling School, NY

redstar Multimedia Review: December 2012 Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Extra Credit. By Tom Greenwald. 4 CDs. 4:29 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012.ISBN 978-1-4558-0309-5. $49.97.
Gr 5-7–In this followup (2012) to Tom Greenwald’s Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not Reading (2011, both Roaring Brook), a poor report card and a reputation for cutting up in school land Charlie Joe in his middle school counselor’s office. Things go from bad to worse, causing Ms. Ferrell to recommend that Charlie Joe attend “Camp Rituhbukkee,” a summer camp that focuses on academics and reading. Charlie Joe, a self-professed non-reader, is horrified, and he quickly offers a deal. If he gets straight A’s for the last quarter of the school year, he won’t have to attend “Camp Life-is-suckee.” The deal is made and the boy must figure out how to raise his grades. The answer: extra credit. What ensues is a riot of middle-school mayhem, relationship issues, and teacher troubles all rendered hilarious by the author. McLeod Andrews reads with equal parts youthful exuberance and snarky sarcasm. He gets extra credit for turning a fantastic book into an A+ audiobook through his amazing and entertaining cast of character voices. Give this audio (plus the book, with illustrations by J.P. Coovert) to fans of the “Wimpy Kid” series. Even reluctant readers, like Charlie Joe, will be won over by this hilarious take on middle-school life, and will be clamoring for the next title in the series.–Lisa Hubler, Charles F. Brush High School, Lyndhurst, OH

redstar Multimedia Review: December 2012 Crush: The Theory, Practice and Destructive Properties of Love. By Gary Paulsen. 2 CDs. 2:28 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4692-0311-9. $39.97.
Gr 5-8–Once again, Kevin Spencer (Liar, Liar and Flat Broke) tackles the problems of his world, this time with careful, scientific logic, and no lies. Kevin still has a crush on Tina Zabinski,. He’s sure that he is her perfect match, but he won’t approach her until he’s 100 percent positive that he can win her heart. This doesn’t seem likely, since he becomes more awkward and tongue-tied whenever she’s around. When handsome and smooth-talking Cash Devine starts moving in on his target, Kevin has to move quickly. Since love is based on chemistry, Kevin decides to set up a series of scientific experiments to help him discover the meaning of love and the way to a girl’s heart. While a candlelit dinner for his parents is a disaster and his version of the Cake Walk at the Carnival doesn’t quite work out as planned, some seemingly impossible matches do work. Even his jock of a brother and the hockey team members are paired off with lovely figure skaters. Through it all, Kevin is never discouraged, no matter how badly his romantic setups backfire. Joshua Swanson brings Kevin to life with his witty and animated expression, sounding just like an enthusiastic eighth grader in love. Both boys and girls will enjoy Paulsen’s novel “study” of young love (Wendy Lamb Bks., 2012), which is totally hilarious and not the least bit mushy.–MaryAnn Karre, West Middle School, Binghamton, NY

redstar Multimedia Review: December 2012 The Diviners. By Libba Bray. 15 CDs. 15:15 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-449-80875-7. $60.
Gr 10 Up–Printz winner Libba Bray’s latest literary masterpiece (Little, Brown, 2012) is stunning, suspenseful, and sure to leave listeners utterly breathless. Thoroughly modern flapper Evie O’Neill’s psychic ability to divine secrets from inanimate objects gets her exiled from her stuffy Ohio town. Sent to stay with her Uncle Will in Prohibition-era New York City, the last thing Evie expects is to be thrown headlong into a terrifying, and seemingly paranormal, serial murder mystery. Crime scene evidence leads Evie to believe the killer is John Hobbes, a religious leader and madman who was hanged for murder 50 years ago. It seems “Naughty John” has returned from the grave to complete a deadly ritual to bring about the apocalypse. Evie believes her abilities can help stop this killer. But there are others with unique powers as well, including a clairvoyant child and a man with healing powers. Circumstances gradually draw these Diviners together. Are they strong enough to stop the evil that’s been unleashed? Not for the faint of heart, this spellbindingly creepy ghost story will keep listeners enthralled long into the night—preferably with the lights on. Bray’s writing is brilliant. Intricately detailed storylines interweave perfectly with a cast of richly drawn characters. Period slang and historical details help set the scene. January LaVoy’s exceptional narration skyrockets an already outstanding story to the next level. Characters live and breathe through distinctive voices, complete with accents and dialects. Perfect pacing bestows the story with a constant edge-of-the-seat ambiance. A must-have.–Alissa Bach, Oxford Public Library, MI

redstar Multimedia Review: December 2012 See You at Harry’s. By Jo Knowles. 5 CDs. 5:49 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-8958-7. $49.97.
Gr 7 Up–Twelve-year-old Fern is quiet and conciliatory, and often taken for granted. Left to take care of whatever the rest of the family members are too busy to deal with, she feels alone and resentful. Dad is constantly trying to boost business for the family restaurant, Mom is always escaping to meditate, Sarah is spending an embarrassing post-high school gap year working in the restaurant, and Holden is teetering on the verge of announcing his sexual orientation. The glue that holds the family together is three-year-old Charlie. Everyone’s biggest joy, and sometimes Fern’s biggest pain, Charlie’s uninhibited glee in life keeps everything in perspective. Then, while in Fern’s care, a freak accident takes Charlie’s life. What starts out as a wonderfully realistic look at growing up in a semi-dysfunctional middle-class family turns swiftly into an equally realistic portrait of profound loss and guilt. Knowles’s novel (Candlewick, 2012) takes us step by painful step through the days leading up to the funeral, the day of the funeral, and onto the impossible process of getting back to “normal” life. Kate Rudd gives a brilliant performance as, through the eyes, heart, and soul of Fern, she gives voice to the full breadth of grief experienced by each member of the family. Listeners are taken through every stage of the dark, heart-wrenching grieving process with throat constricting immediacy, and then led slowly back into the light. A beautiful, if painful, story delivered with remarkable clarity and sensitivity through an exceptional performance.–Cary Frostick, Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Falls Church, VA

redstar Multimedia Review: December 2012 Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku. By Lee Wardlaw. cassette or CD. 15 min. Recorded Books. 2012.cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-4565-3, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-4571-4: $15.75; hardcover book, ISBN 978-1-8050-8995-0: $16.99.
Gr 1-4–A cat sits in a shelter. There are other cats around him, yet he is alone. Will anyone choose him? Yes! But adjustments must be made…mostly by his new owners because, after all, he IS a cat. Wardlaw’s book (Holt, 2011) strikes just the right notes. Written in clever and evocative haiku, this delightful story follows Won Ton as he settles into his new home and neighborhood. This cat clearly has personality, and James Yaegashi puts a subtle purr in his voice as he brings the cat to life vocally, changing the pacing of his performance to match the mood changes of the text. Listeners will smile in recognition of the vicissitudes of catdom, and come away feeling as if an errant tail has just flicked past their ankles.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA

redstar Multimedia Review: December 2012 Blue Clouds. CD. 39 min. with booklet. Smithsonian Folkways. 2012. ISBN unavail. $11.99.
PreS-Gr 3–Beautiful harmonies and Elizabeth Mitchell’s lovely, sweet voice are the hallmarks of this outstanding collection of traditional and original songs. She’s joined by her husband, Daniel Littleton, and daughter, Storey, as well as others. Mitchell has breathed new life into these traditional songs and has transformed several classic rock numbers into folk style with elegant and simple arrangements. In addition to the top-notch vocal performances, the band and guest musicians give outstanding performances on a variety of instruments, including acoustic guitar, banjo, fiddle, cello, viola, zither, dulcimer, piano, recorder, oboe, drums, percussion, xylophone, glockenspiel, and more. Mitchell performs beautiful covers of some classic rock pieces: “I Wish You Well” (Bill Withers), “Kooks” (David Bowie), “Everyone” (Van Morrison), “May This Be Love” (Jimi Hendrix), and “Blue Sky” (Allman Brothers). “Arm in Arm” (octopus love), “Rollin’ Baby,” and “Blue Clouds” (a lullaby) are all original songs. Traditional numbers include “Hop Up, My Ladies,” a medley of “Froggie Went a-Courtin’” with “King Kong Kitchie,” “San Toki” (Mountain Bunny, Korean), “Summer Is Icumen In” (medieval round), “The Little Bird,” “Circle of the Sun” (dedicated to Storey’s cousin who passed away at age four), “Moon Don’t Go,” and “Yuki” (Snow, Japanese). The booklet has notes for each of the songs and is illustrated with pictures from Remy Charlip’s 1969 book, Arm in Arm (Parent’s Magazine Press, 1965). This fantastic album should be in every library’s collection of music for children.–Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX

redstar Multimedia Review: December 2012 Cranberry Red Balloon. CD. approx. 44 min. Prod. by Blue Earth Records. Dist. by AV Café. 2012. ISBN unavail. $14.99.
PreS-K–Singer/songwriter Tab Laven has gathered an impressive group of musicians and vocalists including Art Garfunkel, Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys, and Vicki Peterson of the Bangles in this quiet, gentle collection. Laven’s crystal clear voice beautifully blends with the expert accompaniment, lulling listeners and soothing their souls after a long, busy day. Two of the songs are luscious instrumentals that will encourage youngsters to slow down, take a breath, and relax. Among the numbers are “That’s What I Like About the Rain,” “Perfect Day,” “Ship of Dreams,” and “Close Your Eyes.” This collection will work perfectly at nap time, bed time, or any other quiet times during the day.–Veronica De Fazio, Plainfield Public Library District, IL

redstar Multimedia Review: December 2012 Creepy Crawly Love. CD. 30:47 min. CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $14.99.
PreS-Gr 3–In his first album for children, Duke Otherwise hits all of the right notes. Clever lyrics abound in this collection of 12 original songs about topics such as food, animals, and word play. Children will enjoy listening to each song and trying to figure out what the twist may be. From the tune about “my uncle who’s an ant” to a lion being given the advice that he would make more friends if he was a vegetarian to trying to find a synonym for cinnamon, Duke keeps listeners engaged. The melodies are unlike anything currently available in children’s music. Often infused with Latin influences and with a quality that makes them seem ready for a theatrical stage production, each of the songs is filled with high quality, entertaining lyrics and features a wide array of instruments including clarinet, congas, Farfisa organ, and mustard bottle. This fun, unique collection is a must-have for every collection.–Veronica De Fazio, Plainfield Public Library, IL

redstar Multimedia Review: December 2012 Little Seed: Songs for Children by Woody Guthrie. CD. 29 min. with booklet. Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. 2012. ISBN unavail. $11.98.
PreS-Gr 3–Twenty years after Elizabeth Mitchell first discovered Woody Guthrie’s album, Songs to Grow On for Mother and Child, she performs 13 of those numbers in her clear, smooth voice on this outstanding album that coincides with the Woody Guthrie Centennial. Husband Daniel Littleton, daughter Storey, and others join Mitchell on several of the songs. These mostly folk and bluegrass style tunes are enhanced by excellent performances on acoustic guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, bass, upright bass, piano, harmonium, flute, melodica, drums, percussion, wood blocks, shakers, balafon (African instrument similar to xylophone), handclaps, and knee slaps. “Little Sugar” is an excellent bouncing song for baby story times. “Who’s My Pretty Baby,” “Grassy, Grass Grass,” “Riding in My Car, “One Day Old,” and “Little Sugar” are also on Mitchell’s previous albums. Among the other songs are “Bling Blang;” “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,” “Why, Oh Why,” “Sleep Eye,” “Rattle My Rattle,” “This Land Is Your Land,” “Merry-Go-Round,” and “Little Seed.” The accompanying booklet has notes on each song. This album definitely stands out from the crowd and should be in every library’s music collection for children.–Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX 

redstar Multimedia Review: December 2012 Just in Time, Abraham Lincoln. By Patricia Polacco. CD. 22:10 min. with hardcover book. Spoken Arts. 2012.ISBN 0-8045-4240-1. $29.95.
Gr 2-5–Caught up with modern-day activities, how is it possible to truly gain a gut-deep understanding of historical events that happened long before you were born? This is the question teachers often ponder as they try to teach children that history is more than names and dates—it was people, real people, whose actions still impact our lives today. While visiting the Harpers Ferry Civil War Museum, young Michael and Derek dress as Union soldiers and step through a doorway into the past. They are no longer learning about Antietam, now they are there in 1862. The dead and dying lie scattered, red-splashed upon the brown earth. The boys meet a Civil War photographer and have a chance to give hope to a weary president, even as they experience his deep sense of loss, and commitment to a cause that demands sacrifice. Many of the soldiers never made it home again. Will the boys? Polacco expressively reads her book (Putnam, 2011) with the help of Kirby Ward against original background music by Bruce Zimmerman. They immerse listeners in a different time and place, giving providing immediacy and impact that, hopefully, will stay with students long after the story is over.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA

redstar Multimedia Review: December 2012 Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (with a Few Flat Tires Along the Way). By Sue Mac. 2 cassettes or 2 CDs. 2 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-4318-5, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-4319-2. $25.75.
Gr 6-9–Mac’s informative and interesting look (National Geographic, 2011) at the history of the bicycle chronicles not only the development of this self-propelled contraption, but also its liberating effect on the lives of women. Listeners will be amazed to learn about the lack of rights afforded women in the late 1800s. In an era characterized by restriction, the bicycle helped to liberate women by giving them the ability to travel without supervision, earn a living, and break loose from societal constraints. The author provides intriguing facts, such as how Katharine Wright, sister of Orville and Wilbur, assisted in the design and development of bicycles in their now famous bicycle shop. Meredith Orlow’s narration provides excellent pacing, and her engaging tone will maintain listeners’ attention. Pair the audio with the book so students don’t miss the delightful photos and illustrations of early cycle concepts, attire, and advertisements. This is a brilliant high-interest nonfiction choice that will encourage plenty of discussion about the bumpy road these courageous women rode as they forged the way for future generations.–Lisa Hubler, Charles F. Brush High School, Lyndhurst, OH

 


The following titles are reviewed in the December 1 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

DVD

Drugs & Alcohol

Emerging Drugs of Abuse. DVD. 20 min with tchr’s. guide. Human Relations Media. 2012. ISBN 978-1-55548-7842. $149.95.

Underage Drinking: Is It Worth It? DVD. 27 min. with tchr’s. guide. Human Relations Media. 2012. ISBN 978-1-55548-581-8. $149.95.

Entertainment

Miss Minoes. DVD. 1:26 hrs. Music Box FilmsISBN unavail. $29.99.

Guidance–General

Dealing with Teen Dating Abuse:  Crossing the Line.  DVD. 17 min. with tchr’s. guide. Human Relations Media. 2012. ISBN 978-1-62706-010-3. $149.95.

Digital Blackout. DVD. 17:55 min. with tchr’s. guide. Twisted Scholar. 2012. ISBN 978-0-9837899-3-2. $79.

Frenemies: Unhealthy Friendships and What to Do About Them. DVD. 21 min. with tchr’s. guide. Human Relations Media. 2012. ISBN 978-1-55548-576-4. $109.95.

When You Feel Left Out. DVD. 19 min. with tchr’s. guide. Human Relations Media. 2012. ISBN 978-1-55548-575-7. $109.95.

Guidance–Careers

Professionalism 101 (Series). 3 DVDs. range: 25-29 min. Prod. by Cambridge Educational/MotionMasters. Dist. by Films Media Group. 2012. ISBN 978-1-62102-609-9. $299.85 ser., $99.95 ea. Includes: Professional Image; Working Together; Business Etiquette.

Health

Stress: The Good, the Bad, and the Healthy. DVD. 23 min. with tchr’s. guide. Human Relations Media. 2012.ISBN 978-1-55548-578-8. $149.95.

Understanding and Preventing Sexual Violence. DVD. 56 min. with tchr’s. guide. Human Relations Media. 2012. ISBN 978-1-62706-001-1. $189.

Language Arts

Mia and the Migoo. DVD. 91 min. Prod. by Folimage. Dist. by Entertainment One. 2012. ISBN unavail. $19.98.

Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. 2 DVDs. approx. 3 hrs. Prod. by Upside TV/France. Dist. by Worldwide Academic Media. 2010, 2012 release. ISBN 978-1-59163-942-8. $19.95.

Performing Arts

Mariachi High. DVD. 54 min. Prod. by Latino Public Broadcasting, Independent Television Service, and Chicken & Egg Pictures. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2012. ISBN 978-1-60883-728-1. $24.99.

Science

The Fascinating World of Birds. DVD. 44 min. Brainfood Learning. 2012. ISBN unavail. $14.99.

Sign Language

Shut Up and Sign, Vol. 1-3. 3 DVDs. 30 min. ea. Shut Up and Sign. 2012. ISBN unavail. $50 ser., $19.95 ea.Includes: Don’t Worry, Be HappyWe Are FamilyCloud Lucky Seven.

Shut Up and Sign: Reading Fingerspelling, Levels 1-3. 3 DVDs. 50 min. ea. Shut Up and Sign. 2012. ISBN unavail. $42 ser., $14.95 ea.

Social Studies

Due Process: Understanding the U. S. Criminal Justice System: Courts, Trials, and Sentencing. DVD. 32 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Prod. by Films for the Humanities and Sciences/Motion Masters. Dist. by Films Media Group. 2012. ISBN 978-1-62102-911-3. $99.95.

Due Process: Understanding the U.S. Criminal Justice System—Crime, Law and Enforcement. DVD. 32 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Prod. by Films for the Humanities and Sciences/MotionMasters. Dist. by Films Media Group.  2012. ISBN 978-1-62103-909-0. $99.95.

Issues in Globalization. 2 DVDs. range: 25-26 min. Films Media Group. 2011, 2012 release. ISBN 978-1-62102-675-4. $259.90 set, $129.95 ea. Includes: Environmental Impacts and Sustainability; How Fair Is Fashion?

The Pilgrim Fathers. DVD. 30 min. with tchr’s. guide online. TMW Media. 2012. ISBN unavail. $64.95.

Words of Witness. DVD. 68 min. Cinema Guild. 2012. ISBN 0-7815-1419-3. $99.95.

Audio

Many of these titles are available for download and/or in Playaway format. Check distributors’ websites, playaway.com, and audio download retailers for availability and price.

Language Arts

After Eli. By Rebecca Rupp. 4 CDs. 4:14 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4692-0624-0. $54.97.

All the Right Stuff. By Walter Dean Myers. 4 cassettes or 4 CDs. 4:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978–1-4640-0255-7, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-0251-9. $46.75.

The Best Night of Your (Pathetic) Life. By Tara Altebrando. 6 cassettes or 6 CDs. 6:45 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-4919-4, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-4920-0. $66.75.

The Cruisers: A Star Is Born. By Walter Dean Myers. 3 CDs. 3 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4418-6340-9. $49.97.

Destined. By Aprilynne Pike. 7 cassettes or 7 CDs. 8:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4407-8384-5, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-0092-0. $77.75.

Earthquake Terror. By Peg Kehret. 3 CDs. 3:27 hrs. AudioGo. 2012. ISBN 978-1-935430-83-4. $49.95.

Every Day. By David Levithan. 7 CDs. 8:26 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-449-01522-3. $37.

The Girl Is Trouble. By Kathryn Miller Haines. 7 cassettes or 7 CDs. 8 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4618-4249-1, CD: ISBN 978-1-4618-4248-4. $77.75.

A Home for Bird. By Philip C. Stead. cassette or CD. 15 min. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-0071-5, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-0072-2: $15.75; hardcover book, ISBN 978-1-5964-3711-1: $16.99.

The House on Dirty-Third Street. By Jo S. Kittinger. CD. 7:05 min. with hardcover book. Spoken Arts. 2012.ISBN 0-8045-4238-4. $29.95.

It’s a Dog’s Life: How Man’s Best Friend Sees, Hears, and Smells the World. By Susan E. Goodman. cassette or CD. 15 min. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-0063-0, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-0064-7. $15.75; hardcover book: ISBN 978-1-5964-3448-6: $16.99.

Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm. By Megan McDonald. 2 CDs. 1:59 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4692-0605-9. $39.97.

Kizzy Ann Stamps. By Jeri Watts. 4 CDs. 3:49 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4692-0635-6. $54.97.

Liar & Spy. By Rebecca Stead. 4 CDs. 4:41 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-449-01410-3. $30.

Beauty. By Elizabeth Fama. 7 CDs. 8 hrs. Macmillan Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4272-2217-6. $29.90.

Outpost. By Ann Aquirre. 9 CDs. 10:30 hrs. Macmillan Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4272-2627-3. $39.99.

Safekeeping. By Karen Hesse. 4 CDs. 4:30 hrs. Macmillian Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4272-2720-1. $24.99.

Selected Shorts: Let Us Tell You a Story–Poe! By Edgar Allan Poe. 2 CDs. 2:30 hrs. Prod. by Symphony Space. Dist. by Independent Publishers Group. 2012. ISBN 978-1-934033-16-6. $19.95.

Ship of Souls. By Zetta Elliott. 3 CDs. 3:33 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-8638-8. $49.97.

Spark: A Sky Chasers Novel.By Amy Kathleen Ryan. 8 CDs. 11:30 hrs. Macmillan Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4272-2202-2. $39.99.

Summer Storm. By Kristina Dunker. 4 CDs. 4:15 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-8083-6. $49.97.

Toy Dance Party. By Emily Jenkins. 3 cassettes or 3 CDs. 3 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-7440-2122-0, CD: ISBN 978-4640-2121-3. $30.75.

The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West. By Sid Fleischman. 3 CDs. 2:59 hrs.AudioGo. 2012. ISBN 978-1-935430-73-5. $49.95.

Unstoppable. By Tim Green. 5 CDs. 6:51 hrs. AudioGo. 2012. ISBN 978-0-7927-9367-0. $54.95.

Music

All About Following Your Dreams…Big and Small. CD. 77 min. AV Café. 2012. ISBN unavail. $14.99.

Autumn Themes and Halloween Screams. CD. 35:25 min. CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $11.99.

Bubble Ride. CD. 47 min. Prod. by VeeTree Records. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $14.98.

The Colored Pencil Factory. CD. approx. 49 min. Prod. by Smoggy Borough Records. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $15.

Family Love. CD. 40 min. AV Café. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.

Go! Go! Go! CD. 30:04 min. AV Café. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.

The Grand Scream of Things. CD. 66 min. Prod. by a2z Prods. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2012 ISBN unavail. $14.99.

Middle of Nowhere. CD. 27:06 min. Island of Elska. 2012. ISBN unavail. $14.98.

Mr. Diddie Wah Diddie. CD. approx. 64 min. with booklet. Prod. by myKaZoo Music/Universal Music Enterprises. Dist. by Baker & Taylor. 2012. ISBN unavail. $10.98.

My Science Project. CD. 34 min. Emphasis Entertainment Group. 2012. ISBN unavail. $10.98.

Riff Rockit. CD. approx. 40 min. Prod. by Doggie Doodles Prods. Dist. by AV Café. 2012. ISBN unavail. $9.99.

So This Is Opera Presents The Three Bully Goats Gruff and The Little Red Hen Operas. CD. approx. 22 min.CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.98.

Songs from the Sandbox. CD. 40:55 min. Prod. by S-Team Prods. Dist. by StephenMichaelSchwartz.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.98.

When You’re a Kid. CD. approx. 15 min. Shira & Friends. 2012. ISBN unavail. $6.99.

Science

Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle. By Claire Nicola. CD. 30 min. with hardcover book.Recorded Books. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4703-0113-2. $38.75.

Social Studies

Titanic: Voices from the Disaster. By Deborah Hopkinson. 4 CDs. 4:55 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. byListening Library/Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 978-0-449-01505-6. $30.

Tom Thumb: The Remarkable True Story of a Man in Miniature. By George Sullivan. 3 CDs. 3:15 hrs.AudioGo. 2012. ISBN 9781-935430-90-2. $49.95.

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